8 Things To Remove From Your Life for More Fulfillment
by Monica Smith
We all have clutter and bad habits in our lives. It might be the clothes we never wear taking up space in our closets, our mismanagement of life priorities, or the negative thoughts and toxic people that bring us down. These actions and mindsets take many forms, but they always weigh us down and make it harder for us to find fulfillment.
Here are eight things you can remove from your life to make more room for joy and happiness. Trust us — you won't miss any of this stuff!
1. Focusing on the past and future rather than the present
If you’re constantly focused on mistakes you made in the past or problems you may face in the future, you’re depriving yourself of the present moment. Not focusing on the present means you won’t truly be able to embrace your spiritual self or make the positive changes that lead to a healthier, more peaceful life.
One of the most powerful tools for learning the art of mindfulness is meditation, which has many spiritual benefits. Many people find it difficult to establish a meditation practice because it’s a technique that takes time and patience to master. Guided meditations can be extremely useful for beginners and even established meditators — check out these guided meditations from Janet Myatt that can help you achieve a variety of goals.
2. Holding onto clothes you don't wear
You likely have at least one article of clothing that you bought on a whim and never ended up wearing. Most of us have a lot more than just one! If you're not wearing something, Jo-Lynne Shane suggests getting rid of it. There's no sense in keeping clothes around that you don't like, let alone wear. If you're unsure what to do with them, you can always donate them to a local charity or thrift store.
3. Keeping household items you don't use
You might also have those items that you hang on to "just in case." You know, like that old blender that's been sitting in the back of your cupboard for years. If you haven't used something in six months (or longer), it’s time to purge! You'll be surprised how much better it feels to declutter your home and get rid of things you don't need or use. Plus, it will make cleaning a whole lot easier.
4. Delaying ambitions
There are inherent dangers involved when we delay our ambitions. Much of it involves what happens when we procrastinate, including the onset of self-doubt and even shame. Fortunately, there are clear paths to take to get out of the rut. For example, if you’re unhappy with your current role at work and it’s time to move on to a new position or company, get your resume up to date so you can submit it for work you’re truly passionate about. Try this tool if you need help building a resume that will land you a position that brings you more fulfillment in your life.
Similarly, if you've been wanting to pursue a side business or even a full time venture so you can be your own boss, start putting your dreams into action. Your first steps will include identifying what type of business you want to start, formulating a business plan, and setting up a California LLC so you’re protected legally and financially no matter how big and successful you become.
5. Managing your time poorly
One of the biggest problems people face is not prioritizing their time. We all have things that we want to do, but often the less important tasks take up more of our time than they should. This can be anything from watching TV for hours on end, spending too much time on social media, or saying yes to work tasks unrelated to our goals.
These activities might make us feel good in the moment, but they don't actually improve our lives in any way. Consider evaluating your time and responsibilities and pulling back on anything that doesn't make you money or contribute to your health and well-being.
6. Following social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself
Social media can be great for staying connected with friends and family, but it can also be a major source of negativity and comparison if we're not careful. If certain accounts make you feel bad about yourself, why are you still following them? Unfollow or even block those accounts so they no longer have a place in your life. You don't need that kind of negativity dragging you down!
7. Saying ‘yes’ too often
Many of us have difficulty saying "no," even when we really should. We say "yes" to commitments we don't want to make, invitations we're not interested in, and requests from people who take advantage of our good nature.
BetterUp points out that learning to say "no" more often will help you to declutter your schedule so you can focus on the things that are truly important to you. It might seem difficult at first, but it's worth it.
8. Suffering from grudges and resentments
Do you find yourself holding onto grudges? Maybe someone did something that hurt your feelings years ago and you still haven't forgiven them for it. Or maybe there's someone in your life who constantly disappoints or mistreats you, but you keep giving them chances because they're family or because they're always sorry afterward.
It might be time to let go. Holding onto grudges and resentments will only drag you down and make you bitter, and they're simply not worth it. Let go of those negative feelings to move on with your life!
We all have clutter in our lives — whether physical, mental, or emotional –– and getting rid of it can be surprisingly freeing. In this article, we've looked at eight things you can remove from your life for a better, more fulfilling existence. Try quitting some (or all) of these things and see how much lighter and happier you feel!
Are you searching for ways to be more in touch with your Divine Self? Reach out to Janet Myatt, MA, a Spiritual Counselor, Teacher, Healer, and Author. Book your appointment online and take steps toward a more fulfilling, spiritually-centered life.